Norovirus-like illness strikes Fitchburg State College

FITCHBURG, Mass. (FOX25, myfoxboston) - Fitchburg State College officials are trying to determine the cause of a norovirus-like illness that has sent about a dozen students to the hospital.

A college spokesman says around two dozen students came down with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea on Monday night and early Tuesday morning and several were transported to a Leominster hospital for treatment.

In a statement released by the school, it is reported that the students who reported symptoms last night show improvement today.

The origin of the illness is being investigated by campus Health Services in consultation with the state Public Health Department. There is no evidence of food poisoning nor were the cases confined to a single building on campus.

The school's Health Services director is advising students who are feeling ill to contact the infirmary. All students are being advised to thoroughly to wash their hands as a preventive measure and to stay out of class if they are feeling ill.